Hilton Sandestin Offers Hassle-Free Beach Vacations for Families
For over 40 years, travelers have chosen the Hilton Sandestin as their go-to spot for both business and leisure. This full-service hotel, located along the Emerald Coast in the panhandle of Florida, has it all! From over 60,000 combined sq. ft of indoor and outdoor meeting space to resort-style pools nestled against a private beach, there is something for everyone at the Hilton Sandestin in Miramar Beach, Florida.
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something we have recommended. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!
It’s no surprise that families choose the Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort year after year, with a significant number of return guests. Most travelers stay for an average of four to six nights, allowing ample time for relaxation and family fun! What hotel guests, including myself, love about the Hilton Sandestin is that it truly is a hassle-free vacation. Everything is located in one place, and it allows families the opportunity to relax and unwind fully.
This iconic Florida panhandle hotel recently underwent a 35-million-dollar renovation to celebrate its 40th anniversary. I was shocked to hear that the property was built in 1984, as it felt on par with many of the brand-new hotels that I frequently stay at. I will highlight some of the big additions/renovations here today.
Hilton Sandestin Resort
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa is the largest full-service beach resort in the area and home to northwest Florida’s only AAA four-diamond steakhouse – Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood.
This beachfront property is perfect for a family vacation where you just want to take it easy! In fact, there really isn’t a need to leave the property unless you want to, and if you choose to, there will be plenty more to do!
Hilton Sandestin Location
Guests love the Hilton Sandestin’s convenient location! The hotel and conference center are located directly on the beach within Sandestin, south of Highway 98. Just five miles east is Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A, and to the west are Destin and Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
Getting To The Hilton Sandestin
Florida’s panhandle is often a driving destination for travelers in the South and Midwest. However, it’s also a great destination for a quick getaway with direct flights into Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) from almost fifty US cities.
Some routes are seasonal, often operating Spring through Fall. Additionally, Northwest Florida Beaches Airport (ECP) in Panama City Beach, Florida, and Pensacola Airport (PNS) are just a little farther away and offer many additional flight options.
Accommodations at Hilton Sandestin
This popular Florida beach resort has 590 guest rooms, many of which offer private balconies.
If you are traveling with kids, look for the rooms with bunk beds! In fact, many of the rooms can sleep six guests, making this hotel a great choice for larger families.
While this iconic hotel just celebrated its 40th anniversary, the guestrooms have been recently renovated with a fresh coastal look.
Click here to view all of the guestroom layouts at Hilton Sandestin!
Hilton Sandestin Amenities & Activities
I loved how easy a stay at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa can be! There are plenty of activities on-site, and you can’t beat the private beach with beach service, rentals, and watersports. The pool deck’s location directly off the beach makes it easy to switch between the two.
Here is a quick summary of what you can do during your stay at the Hilton in Sandestin!
Private Beach at Hilton Sandestin
The Hilton Sandestin’s beach is private for hotel guests, making it less crowded than some nearby beaches. Hotel guests are welcome to bring their beach gear. However, the beach chair and umbrella rentals are a nice treat for around $47 per day (two chairs and an umbrella).
The hotel also offers beach service seasonally, and this is one of the few places that I know of in the entire Florida panhandle where you can order a drink without ever leaving your blue beach chair!
Hilton Sandestin guests can enjoy watersports on-site with hourly kayak and paddleboard rentals. They even have sand volleyball set up right there on the sand!
Enjoy the Three Hilton Sandestin Pools
If you’re more of a pool person, you’re also in the right place! The Hilton Sandestin pool deck is very large with many chairs and loungers. Pool and beach towels are provided, and food and drink service continues seasonally on the pool deck. Take a dip in either of the outdoor pools or enjoy the indoor pool.
The Hilton Sandestin indoor pool recently reopened after a full renovation and is located right off the pool deck. A whirlpool is also located both indoors and outdoors.
Fitness, Tennis, Putt-Putt, Biking & More
If you want to break a sweat on your vacation, visit the hotel’s newly remodeled Fitness Center, where you can even take a spin on a Peloton bike! Outdoors, hotel guests can enjoy 15 tennis courts, a putting course, and even biking. The hotel does not provide bikes; however, a number of companies do deliver and pick up bike rentals at Hilton Sandestin.
Relax at the Award-Winning Spa
During my visit, I spent a few hours at the Serenity by the Sea Spa at the Hilton Sandestin. This award-winning spa offers traditional massages, a wide range of treatments, and Circadia skincare products.
There is a really nice lounge area for women and a separate one for men, where you can order food or drinks. The hotel also has a full-service hair salon and nail salon!
Schedule a Tee-Time at Sandestin
Sandestin is one of the premier choices for golf in the Florida panhandle. Click here to learn more about golfing at Sandestin during your stay. Did you know that the Baytowne Golf Club spans from the beach to the bay?
Seasonal Activities & Special Events
In addition to the standard amenities offered, the Hilton Sandestin offers seasonal activities and special event programming. They offer everything from a beautiful Thanksgiving Buffet to poolside games. You will also find year-round events nearby at Baytown Wharf in Sandestin. Make sure to catch the fireworks on Tuesday nights!
Enjoy Seven Restaurants and Bars at Hilton Sandestin
During my recent stay at the Hilton Sandestin, I was able to dine or drink at all seven of the on-site restaurants and lounges. When I say there is something for everyone, I mean it! From wood-fired pizza and ice cream to fresh sushi and fine dining pianoside, the Hilton Sanestin has dining figured out.
1. Seagar’s Prime Steaks and Seafood
As I mentioned earlier, the Hilton Sandestin is home to northwest Florida’s only AAA four-diamond steakhouse, and it was incredible! I already knew about Seagar’s before my visit, as I live under two hours away, and it’s just that iconic.
That said, I finally got the chance to eat there, and it blew me away. Seagar’s is unrushed true fine dining with ample courses and tableside services. If you enjoy wine, they offer over 600 labels of wine!
2. Sandcastles Restaurant and Lounge
Serving as the hotel’s main restaurant, Sandcastle’s starts the day with a full breakfast buffet. If your kids love a hotel breakfast as much as mine, they are in for a treat! After breakfast, it literally morphs into a lunch and dinner restaurant thanks to a temporary wall/screen that was added as part of the recent renovation.
Another addition during the renovation was a large (and gorgeous) wood-fired pizza oven. This has been very well received and offers a nice, easy meal for dine-in or take-out.
3. Hadashi Sushi Bar
Adjacent to Sandcastles is the Hadashi Sushi Bar, which we enjoyed on the last evening of our trip. I highly recommend dining here during your stay. And if your whole family doesn’t enjoy sushi, no worries! You can order off of the sushi menu from Sandcastles. As a mother of two picky eaters, I appreciate this very much!
4. The Coffee Shop
Start your day at The Coffee Shop for freshly brewed Starbucks coffee, or grab something to drink from the coolers. The Coffee Shop also offers easy breakfast options ranging from pastries to breakfast sandwiches.
Consider buying the souvenir drink bottle and enjoy free refills of sodas and non-alcoholic during your stay and all future stays!
5. Barefoot’s Beachside Bar and Grill
Located on the pool deck, Barfoot’s is your go-to for casual open-air dining with a view! It is also your go-to spot for beach drinks and mocktails. We had the opportunity to sample some of their signature cocktails, and the Watermelon Frose was delicious. I highly recommend it!
6. Picnix Poolside Market
Pixnix is where you can grab grab-and-go snacks, including sandwiches, wraps, salads, and even Pizza Hut personal pizzas! You can also grab some refreshing ice cream or milkshake on a hot day.
7. The Sand Bar
Take a seat at The Sandbar if you want to experience beach life at its finest. Located just steps away from the white sand beaches, this is the place to grab those tropical beverages. You’re on vacation, right?
Please note: The last three restaurants are seasonal.
Other Things to Do Near Hilton Sandestin
What I love about the Hilton Sandestin is that you don’t have to venture out unless you want to. This makes for an effortless family vacation with minimal schedules and the opportunity to truly relax. That said, if you want to get out and about, this is one of the best locations to do so! There is a lot to do within Sandestin itself, and you are a very short drive from other popular Florida panhandle destinations.
Baytown Wharf
As mentioned above, Baytown Wharf is part of Sandestin, and the Hilton has a shuttle to take you there. This is the spot for all of the family vacation rights of passage, including candy shops, live music, a carousel, gift shops, a large playground, ropes courses, trampolines, a zip line, and more. There is always something fun happening at Baytown Wharf!
Shopping Nearby
If you are looking for retail therapy, Grand Boulevard is also in Sandestin and the area’s premier upscale shopping destination. Stores include Pottery Barn, Anthropologie, Tommy Bahama, Vineyard Vines, The Beaufort Bonnet Company, Lily Pulitzer, Lululemon, and more.
There are also upscale dining options, including Emeril Lagasse’s restaurant. Grand Boulevard is also home to frequent festivals and special events. Or take in a show at Emerald Coast Theatre Company or the AMC Boulevard 10.
Also nearby are the Silver Sands outlet mall and Destin Commons.
Day Trips from Sandestin
As a semi-local, I can’t even begin to list all of the day trip opportunities in this area, so I will limit it to the two most popular nearby areas. From off-shore fishing trips to some of the most beautiful state parks in Florida, you’re in for a treat!
Visit 30A Florida
Less than five miles east of Sandstin is the start of Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A. Often referred to simply as 30A, this 25+ mile stretch of highway is dotted with charming coastal communities such as Grayton Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Seaside, Seagrove, Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, and more.
It’s also home to five Florida State Parks: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Grayton Beach State Park, Deer Lake State Park, Eden Gardens State Park, and Camp Helen State Park along the Walton County / Bay County border.
Explore Destin-Ft. Walton Beach
Heading west from Sandestin Resort, you will find yourself in Destin, Florida, with countless additional activities.
Some of the most popular things to do in Destin are fishing, exploring Harborwalk Village, Henderson Beach State Park, Crab Island, Big Kahunas Waterpark, The Track go-carts, and more.
Boating & Water Outings
If you want to get out on the water, you can book boat outings from the Baytown Marina or the Destin Marina. In Baytown, you’ll want to check out the Solaris for sunset dinner cruises and fishing charters.
Over in Destin, there are a number of catamaran tours, including dolphin tours and snorkel outings, as well as parasailing and deep-sea fishing opportunities. If you want to head further East into Panama City Beach, you may enjoy a day trip to Shell Island.
Book Your Stay at Hilton Sandestin
By now, I am sure you can see why I think that the Hilton Sandestin is a fantastic destination for a hassle-free family beach vacation! The beauty of this property is that everything is on-site for a quick beach trip, with zero additional planning required. Yet, at the same time, you could easily fill a week or longer with all of the fun activities in the surrounding areas.
There is a reason families choose to spend their vacation at the Hilton Sandestion year after year, and it’s not hard to figure out. It’s a resort that has something for everyone!
Click here to book your family vacation at Hilton Sandestin!
About the author: Sarah Blevins is the creator behind Our Little Lifestyle, a travel and lifestyle blog with a focus on family travel and adventures big and small. She is a travel writer, professional photographer, and storyteller who is happiest when visiting new places and experiencing new things.
